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Thoughtful, Gripping and Brilliantly Acted

The Insider is great on so many levels. It is perfectly acted by an expert cast, with Russell Crowe delivering without a doubt the best performance of the year. Al Pacino has been great for so long that is is easy to take him for granted, but he makes you sit up and take notice of his talent here, giving a performace that is both slightly over the top and deeply felt. Christopher Plumber was amazing as Mike Wallace, he managed to impersonate the well known newsman perfectly and also make him a relatively sympathetic character. Phillip Baker Hall, as always, gave a rock solid supporting performance as the 60 Minutes producer who kept the segment in question from airing. The cinematography was great, the handheld camerawork adding a sense of urgency to every scene. And, maybe most importantly, the story was deep, thoughful, and entertaining. The characters were brilliantly developed, and the story was gripping. The Insider is over 2 and a half hours long, but it isn't boring at all. Michael Mann is one of the best directors currently working, all of his movies have a distinctive look,an attention to detail, and a certain intangible intellegence. The Insider has an abundance of all three of these qualities.

Powerful drama

"The Insider" was one of the two Oscar-nominated films that actually earned its nomination. After his great film "Heat", which was also overlooked by the Academy, Michael Mann delievers a worthy follow up that captivates the viewer for more than two and a half hours.

In many respects, "The Insider" is a typical Michael-Mann-picture. The screenplay offers rather traditional storytelling without any of the post-modern coolness that so many films have nowadays. The direction and the cinematography are highly stylized, which is also pure Michael Mann. Like in "Heat", the relationships between the characters are explored more thoroughly and in more explicit detail than in most other films. This gives the characters a depth that is rare in many of today's movies. Another great asset of "The Insider" are the performances by the whole cast. Al Pacino is powerful and credible as always and Russel Crowe is simply sensationel as the whistleblower Wigand who is threatened by his former company.

"The Insider" was surely one of the best films of 1999. It is a shame that it wasn't a box office success. I hope that Michael Mann is able to retain his style despite the commercial disappointment. Perhaps the seven Academy Award nominations will persuade the studios to keep him independent.

Daring character study plus more.

Tackling the subject of latter day history takes a great deal of precision. The first thing a film maker, taking on something such as the multi-billion dollar suit levied against the tobacco industry by the United States, must do is narrow their focus. This is what Michael Mann's "The Insider" does. Instead of becoming a sprawling film that takes on all the evils of society in the form of a cigarette company, it narrows in on the idea of media and corporate relations.

This film does not make its heroes out to be saints. They all have motives, which can be considered selfish. This is the most compelling aspect of the film. Jeffrey Wigand is a practical white-collar American who is not often driven by emotion but rather by cool headed American values such as providing for his family. When he is pushed by his former employer (tobacco company B&W) he goes to his one instance of emotional redemption (taking the information he knows to the press, in the form of Pacino as a 60 minute producer) and puts everything he has gained in jeopardy.

Sometimes long but perfectly stylized, this film owes much of its power to Russel Crowe whose transformation into Wigand (white-haired, overweight and ready to explode) is the stuff serious drama is built on. The supporting characters who work at 60 Minutes and CBS are note worthy as well. While not having as much emotionally invested in the situation, Pacino is effective as a workaholic newsman who takes on some of Crowe's fire.

Lastly is something that I normally don't usually give much weight to when it comes to movies. This is an important story to be told because many people don't realize that the facts represented here are true (maybe not entirely accurate) and, more importantly, serve as a model as how far reaching events will go down in the modern world.

The true best picture of 1999

"American Beauty" was pretty good and deserved itsnomination but the film that should have won Best Picture this yearwas Michael Mann's "The Insider". Al Pacino is as good as ever as a producer on "60 Minutes" and Russell Crowe is magnificant as a whistle blower that was a former tobacco company employee. The story revolves around Pacino fighting to get Crowe's interview aired on "60 Minutes" while Crowe's life is being threatened by his former employers. Pacino really plays the role well and Crowe is equally as good. Crowe turned in a great performance in "L.A. Confidential" and in "The Insider" he proves that he will in time be one of the true great actors. As for Michael Mann, he has really done a fine job with this film. It's a shame it did not win any Oscars for it truly deserved them.

A Terrific Picture

"The Insider" is by far, the best motion picture of1999. It focuses on the lives of Dr. Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe),vice president in charge of research for Brown & Williamson Tobacco, and Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino), a veteran producer for the much-respected "60 Minutes" CBS news magazine. Recently fired from his cushy 6 figure job, Wigand soon faces the dilemma of whether or not to violate his confidentiality agreement and expose the disturbing truth about cigarettes, or to keep silent and protect his family. Bergman, meanwhile, must try to coax the story out of Wigand, while protecting him and sidestepping legal snaffus which arrise and fighting to get his piece aired. "The Insider" features top-notch performances from its cast, top to bottom, particularly from Crowe, as the brave yet terrified Wigand. Director Michael Mann keeps the story moving and keeps his audience interested throughout- not an easy task for a 3 hour movie. What really enhanced my enjoyment of this movie was the terrific hand-held cinematography by Dante Spinotti. His camera is often perched over Wigand's shoulder, and we as an audience feel as if we are right there with him as he franticly searches for the answers. I suppose a lot of people avoided this movie at the box office due to its length and its subject matter-and its their loss. If you like the movies with explosions and gunfights then rent something else. If you like an engrossing, thought-provoking movie with terrific performances, then "The Insider" is the movie for you.

Stylish And Intelligent As Well As Thrilling.

Michael Mann, one of the finest of American directors, brings to the screen an important story with "The Insider." This is a film I would compare to Oliver Stone's "JFK." Al Pacino and Russell Crowe give incredible performances. The writing, cinematography and the entire structure of the film are exquisite. Mann and his co-writer, Eric Roth (Forrest Gump) expertly take a simple 60 Minutes news story and turn it into a thrilling story. Mann adds a Hitchcockian feel to the atmosphere, a certain tense paranoia. "The Insider" is extremely effective because it's also a great parable on the dangers of telling the truth when a large entity does not want that certain truth to be known. Who cares about dramatic license? It's what the film says that counts. "The Insider" is suprerior to Mann's previous work, "Heat," which is the best cop thriller I have ever seen. This is an important, exquisite work.

A superb film

It is rare for a film to acheive the quality of this one. It is rarer still for a film of this quality to actually mean something. Russell Crowe's performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. He completely sumberges himself in his character giving the impression that he is not acting at all. This is the mark of a great actor. Christopher Plummer is Mike Wallace, to put it bluntly, and Al Pacino's performance is on a par with the best in his career. Mann keeps the movie going with a leisurly but suspensful pace. It never loses it's sense of urgency.

We also learn how corporate America has come to dominate this country economically and socially, even to the extent that it can control the news content (having worked in television news, I can confirm the realism of those scenes). This movie deserves whatever awards it gets. It was the best film of 1999 without question, hesitation or doubt.

A Perfectly Acted Drama

It is very concievable that a lot of people would dislike this film. After all, a three hour legal drama starring Al Pacino bellowing his lungs out is probably not most viewers idea of a day at the beach. None the less, I found the Insider to be a very compelling film that is elevated above other movies by its truly great performances.

The Insider is actually two very different movies that are expertly woven into one. One plot is about a tobacco employee (Russell Crowe) who decides to violate his contract and reveal top-secret information about his company. He discovers the cigarettes he is helping to produce are deadlier than he suspected and he feels responsible to make this fact public. The second story is an exploration of media ethics. Al Pacino plays a 60 minutes producer who wrangles with television execs about the dilemma of airing Russell Crowe's confessions.

Not only is the Insider just a legal drama, but it's also a thriller and an involving exploration of ethics. Russell Crowe, who is nominated for the film (deservedly so) turns in a flawless performance that compliments Al Pacino's usual over the top style. The best performance here however is given by Christopher Plummer who plays Mike Wallace, a host of 60 minutes. His performance is so great that it truly baffles me how it was ignored at the oscars.

Occaisonally The Insider does seem long winded and in need of editing. The suspense aspect too often fizzles just as it is getting interesting. Russell Crowe's life is actually threatened by the words "we will kill you" but within a scene or two the viewer will forget that it was ever a part of the movie.

Overall The Insider is impressive, if overlong, which is worth seeing ultimately because it is the best acted movie of the year. If you enjoyed Michael Mann's previous film "Heat" then you probably will be able to sit through and enjoy The Insider. If you found that one to be long and tedious then this will not be a film for you.

MASTERFUL WORK

As in his other memorable work, director Michael Mann hits all the right notes with THE INSIDER, a thrilling film filled with terrific performances by Russel Crowe, Al Pacino and Christopher Plummer. I could go on an on about this movie, but all that needs to be said is that is by far the BEST film of 1999, and although it won't win the Oscar, it certainly should have. Riveting, intelligent storytelling complimented by Mann's trademark visual style. Any fan of Mann's work knows what I mean. Tight close-ups, fantastic music score and wonderful cinematography. Don't let the length scare you. It's long and it needs to be. So did HEAT.

Courageous

"The Insider" was one of the finest films of last year and certainly the finest film nominated for best picture. What I think it demonstrates to a greater degree that any film in recent years is what courage really is. In the modern world survival is no longer predicated on physical prowess: the willingness to defend or advance physically to maintain ones community or ones principals. We live in a world of laws, language and economics. Survival is all but assured by abiding by or submitting to the status norms and powers that be. Go along and get along.

What this film presents are two modern heroes that display MODERN courage in challenging pernicious power structures. They put everything they have at risk for higher principals.

It is an epic in the truest sense. Many have complained that it distorted or combined certain facts and characters, but that is in no way irreconcilable with what a film aspires to as opposed to what journalism should aspire to. Crowe and Pacino are demonstrating modern courage in epic theater form---not the precise details of how these men took on a tobacco company and CBS. Regardless, the facts that Brown & Williamson lied to the public and altered it's deadly product to hook it's consumers, and that 60 Minutes balked at presenting the original story for craven financial reasons, is undisputed.

Most people today are cowards. They don't get involved and they won't take a stand for principals more important than their personal security.

Most people never get to the grass by the water, as Wigand and Bergman do. Fewer still have the courage to press on. They do. They took on those that had lied and killed with impunity. They risked their security for something greater than themselves. They were modern heroes.

'The Insider' - Oh Dear..........

I find it very hard to review this film without the use of bad language, but I'll try. From start to finish this film was terrible - with a cast of uninteresting characters and an even more pathetic plot, I found it astonishing that this film has been nominated for 'Film of the Year'. What I found even more astonishing was that one of my all time heros - Pacino - was willing to star in this tripe. Of course, to be fair, I had nothing but praise for Pacino's performance - which helped to ease my suicidal urges through 157 minutes. The main problem of this film is Michael Mann's repeated failure to deliver - he repeatedly sets up a superb opportunity for a moment of interest or suspense only to let the audience down with an anti-climax. The idea of the plot being centered around a true story of an 'insider' willing to testify on public record should have been a worthy content for the film, but the way the story is told makes it almost too true to life - almost as if watching a bland documentary. Don't get me wrong - I don't believe all films need violence and guns to make excitement, but 'The Insider' was just too long with little or no moments of action for the audience to sit up and take interest. It is bad enough the film being plain boring, but 157 minutes of this is just ridiculous, and it is about time films are reviewed with the truth in mind and therefore pathetic attempts like this will never be nominated for best film of the year. It will be a cold day in hell before I ever watch any more of Mann's work.

A great movie

The Insider is one of the best of 1999, along with American Beauty, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, The Cider House Rules, Dogma, The Hurricane, and The Sixth Sense. Russell Crowe perfectly casted as Dr. Jeffrey Weigand. Russell Crowe could win an oscar, if Denzel Washington (the Hurricane), or Kevin Spacey (American Beauty) don't win. Magnificent, see it.

An incredible movie- worthy of much praise!

"The Insider", a theatrical delight, is a well cast, brilliantly acted, and ingeniously directed movie. I cannot say enough about this film!

Russell Crowe is pheonominal as the socially-conscious scientist,Dr. Jeffrey Weigand. Mr. Crowe, one of my favorite actors since first seeing him in "L.A. Confidential", brings multiple dimensions to his character. One the one hand you applaud Dr. Weigand for being so courageous in spite of the threats he receives from "big tobacco". On the other hand, you sense his pain, and the fear he has for his family. It is all in the eyes- Russell Crowe emotes like few actors can. WE WILL BE PULLING FOR HIM ON OSCAR NIGHT!

While Russell Crowe is truly the star in this film, one certainly cannot overlook the outstanding performance turned in by Al Pacino. Mr. Pacino lives up to this movie's expectations, and provides wonderful depth in his character. The pure sarcasm in several of his lines leaves you laughing inside, while silently saying to yourself, "you know, this guy has a point!" Watching Al Pacino is a delight- and in the end, you hope he not only wins the right to produce TV as he sees fit, you are hoping that his character gets a raise! Al Pacino- you are not worthy of a "supporting actor" nomination, you are in a class all your own!

Lastly, we cannot forget the performance of a veteran actor, Christopher Plummer. Mr. Plummer shows sides of Mike Wallace that you imagined were there, but have never been able to see. Mr. Plummer gives the movie perspective- and plays the depressive Mike Wallace with stunning accuracy. In the end, you forget that Mr. Plummer is an actor- you begin to think that the real Mike Wallace is the true actor! I will be looking for more good things to come from Mr. Plummer- he has made me a fan!

This movie is as put together as it can get. The cinematography, direction, etc. give this film power. There are no lulls- you remain firmly entrenched in the plot throughout this movie. The sets, the tone, the music, it all blends together like a great cup of coffee- warm and enjoyable. Michael Mann reels you in, and does not let go. He takes you on a wild ride- your heart races, your eyes tear, your palms sweat, and you squirm in your seat. He does his job, and he does it well- he MOVES you.

This story of one former tobacco scientist taking on big tobacco in an effort to bring awareness of health hazzards to the general public via television, will go down as a modern-day classic. The "behind-the-scenes" look at TV production, and more specifically, "60 Minutes", gives the general viewer an idea of not only how much time is spent producing a 15-minute segment for network TV, but shows the consequences on a man's life for being brave enough to care. I applaud Jeffrey Weigand, a hero to America. I also applaud the makers of "The Insider" , for having the courage, stamina, and awe-inspiring vision to bring this film to life.

1999's Best Film

I can't get this film or its subject out of my mind. Maybe it's because as a health care worker I see the devastating effects of tobacco every day in my patients. The pain and suffering it causes make Dr. Wigand's cause noble and worth the price he paid to bring tobacco companies out in the open. I know that some of the facts have been Hollywoodized for the film but that doesn't diminish its power,. If you have ever doubted the power of Big Tobacco this film will convince you otherwise. It is the only product that when used as directed kills people. Splendid work by Mr. Crowe, who should have won this year's Oscar. Should be required viewing for anyone who treats smokers.

A student

Very good movie. The scenes are shot very well, with brilliant color, and it is very lifelike. Russell Crowe gives a great performance, even though he doesn't act exactly like Dr. Wigand did. The story is very compelling and interesting, which was hard to do since I have kept up to date with it. I guess I am biased because I was a student of his for 3 of the 3 1/2 years he was there, but it was still a very good movie. Anyway, it is a great mostly-true story that is well written, well directed, and just plain good. I would recommend it for everyone, even smokers.

Great Suspensful Drama

This is a great movie starring russell crowe and al pacino. It was well worthy of it's oscar nomination for best picture. The movie builds with tension as the it moves along. The DVD has some great features and great picture quality. The movie is over 2 hours but as with any great film time is not an issue. This is well worth the money to buy.

Phenomenal look at the battle between morality and money

60 Minutes' famous journalistic lense is turned back on itself in one of the most exciting dramatic films of 1999. Aside from the great performances by nearly all concerned, the story is - from start to finish - riveting.

At its core, it's the battle of one ordinary man's battle between losing everything he holds dear, family and reputation, and what he knows to be the right thing - exposing the tobacco industry's efforts to chemically engineer cigarettes to be more addictive. Along the way, watch as 60 Minutes exec. producer Don Hewitt is seen caving to corporate pressure to cut the story to shreds because the corporate division is concerned the segment may lead to a lawsuit that will jeopardize an unannounced sale of the network to Westinghouse and the resulting big bonuses and salaries to corporate executives and a sleazy lawyer (is there any other kind?) delisciously played by Gina Gershon.

Russell Crowe, Al Pacino and Christopher Plummer hold nothing back in their performances. For anyone who's ever been curious about how a news organization works (or stumbles occasionally), this film provides the insight. The DVD is a wonderful transfer, also.

The Insider a truely Great Movie

Al Pacino and Rusell Crowe gave the performances of their career in the highly captivating Insider by Micheal Mann. Definate Best picture material in my mind. Based on a ture story the Insider did not fail to keep me in my seat. The drama about a tobacco insider who knows the secret of nicotine and how addictive it can be, who was released from the company but couldn't tell his stroy due to a confidentiality agreement that he signed with the company. One of the best movies of 1999. A Definate Must See!

**Bri's Movie Reviews can be found for Most Hollywood New Releases***

The Insider

Words cannot describe the artwork and character depth displayed in this film. This is a masterpiece of filmmaking. A lot of times you can tell a great film when it does poorly at the box office but well in the eyes of critics. This is one of those cases. For all those folks who don't go watch a movie at the theater to wait for video because they aren't sure that they will like it-my advice is get it, watch it, and then think of the powerful lessons it teaches about many facets of your own life while it is still fresh on your mind. Yes it is still a hollywood movie and therefore candy coated but it comes as close to the truth as any film ever dares to try.

Great movie, ruined by touchstone DVD politics..

Touchstone has decided to force you to watch two trailers EVERY SINGLE TIME you insert the disc in your player. The only function allowed is power off and eject. Don't get me wrong the movie is very good, but the DVD execution is terrible. If I had known this, I would never have bought it.